As impressive as the technology Microsoft Flight Simulator uses to recreate real-world locations is, the initial launch has left room for improvement, whether it be due to missing landmarks or the occasional mistake. Modders have tried their hand at filling in the gaps, sprucing up locations like Washington D.C. in Microsoft Flight Simulator, but next week the game will receive an official expansion that will enhance its version of Japan.
It was announced at the Tokyo Game Show today that the Japan World Update will come to the base game for free this Tuesday, September 29. The update will make use of a new “digital elevation map” to upgrade the entire country in-game, which Microsoft says will deliver a higher-definition rendition of “Japan's proud buildings, nature, and culture.”
Additionally, the update will feature a number of specific locations around the country that have received extra overhauling. These include six cities –Sendai, Takamatsu, Tokushima, Tokyo, Utsunomiya, and Yokohama– that have gotten a full 3D photogrammetry upgrade, along with six airports across the country that have been spruced up with improved models. Rounding things off in Microsoft Flight Simulator’s new update will be new landing challenges that will give players more to do alongside visiting famous locations like Mt. Fuji, Himeji Castle, and Tokyo Skytree.
Odds are this update will also open the door for modders to build upon it with a number of Japan-inspired mods. Already, Godzilla and a giant Gundam have been modded into Microsoft Flight Simulator, so at this point, it’s safe to assume players will have the opportunity to fly over other examples of Japanese pop culture before long.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is available for PC. An Xbox One version is in development.